Kathmandu Valley Rim Mountain Biking - 08 Days

If you are a biking freak and aspire to experience as much of Nepal as possible in a week’s recess, "Kathmandu Valley Rim Mountain Biking" or "Around Kathmandu Mountain Biking Tour" is an excellent retreat. This is a 5-days’ biking trip on the ridge-top trails, which encircle the Valley's rim. We travel along unfrequented dirt roads, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only a short bike ride away, lies a delightful world of wooded slopes, small villages, hidden temples and the views which include all of the principal peaks of the Nepal Himalaya - from Makalu to the Annapurna and the intimidating Everest! Paddling across some excellent and easy to semi – technical and old-jeep single tracks, we get familiarized to the plethora of sights, sounds, tastes and smells that make up the life in Nepal’s 'Middle Hills'. We ride through the historic cities of Patan and Bhakatpur, stay at the picturesque hill resorts of Nagarkot relishing the scintillating sunrise view that lights up the entire Himalaya, visit an array of renowned landmarks with historical and cultural significance, and whip past the isolated villages piercing the dense forests. At one time, we are almost amidst the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, while at other time paddling across the serene milieu of the orthodox villages. With the mornings spent cycling above a sea of clouds, it would not be an exaggeration to call this a heaven for mountain bikers! Throughout the trip, our support vehicles carrying all our gears will either follow us or be with us at the end of the day.

Important Snippets

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

The mountain biking trails in Nepal are not extremely rugged. Although it is obvious that some biking skills, good fitness level and endurance would be needed to pursue such trip, it can be enjoyed by the riders of all levels. The accompanying biking guide shall have the technical know-how and vehicle support can also be provided wherever needed.

Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and then transferred to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be greeted with welcome drinks. We then have a quick pre-trip meeting where you will be briefed on the necessary formalities and your tour itinerary. You can spend the remaining half of the day, resting. Or, if lying flat is too unbecoming for you, stroll around the nearby places just to get the feel of this flamboyant capital of Nepal. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 02:Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

After breakfast, hop in to our private vehicle and head off for a guided tour to the renowned historical and cultural landmarks of Kathmandu. You will be accompanied by an amiable and experienced city guide, who will lead you in this enticing venture throughout the day. You will be exploring the sites like - Pashupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square and the Boudhanath (the Maha Stupa). All these sites have been listed in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list. After the entertaining and informative tour, we drive back to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

After a refreshing breakfast at the hotel, we gear up for an action packed day. In the company of a professional biking guide, we commence our ''mission Kathmandu valley rim". We first paddle through the noisy streets of Kathmandu towards Patan, one of the three medieval cities of Kathmandu Valley. We have already had a chance to explore the Patan Durbar Square during our sightseeing yesterday, but still, we bet, most of you are longing for the second visit. After all it falls on way, so exploring the Patan Durbar Square is definitely on the cards. This palatial square is an epitome of ancient architecture and craftsmanship. After a short indulgence in the UNESCO World Heritage site, we mount back on run machine and ride to Lubhu, from where the trail ascends towards a quaint Newari settlement of Sisneri. Away from the hullabaloo of Kathmandu, the village of Sisneri is akin to a paradise poised at the backdrop of the fascinating Himalayas. From Sisneri, we make a steep 500 m uphill ride and then gradually glide down towards the small town of Panauti. This rarely visited town hosts the "Indreswor Mahadev Temple". Constructed in 1294 A.D, the temple is the oldest shrine in Nepal. Paying our homage to the Hindu deity, we ride towards one of the lodges nearby. Overnight at lodge in Panauti; breakfast included.

To get to Dhulikhel from Panauti, we have two viable options; the first is an elevated ride along the well trodden tarmac road and the second one is a steeper off the beaten track that winds up through the terraced fields, via the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha. Let's pick the second option, because we know that you are an adventure freak who never gets bogged down with the formulistic challenges. After a 35 kms bumpy ride, relishing the verdant terraced fields and stunning Himalayan vistas, we arrive at Dhulikhel. We check in to our hotel and relax for some time. In the evening, we take a short stroll to the nearby hillock to witness the very romantic sunset view. Overnight at a hotel in Dhulikhel; breakfast included.

We have our breakfast in the stunning mountainous environ and gear up for the peppy ride once again. Today, we paddle downhill along the "not so busy" tarmac road, which leads us to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Giving a short recess to our incessant biking , we explore the historical and cultural wonders boisterously dotted in the "Bhaktapur Durbar Square". The site is an enticing conglomeration of Newari arts and craftsmanship. Bhaktapur is dominantly populated by the "Newars". Despite the sweeping westernization and cultural concoction evident in Kathmandu valley, Bhaktapur still retains its ancient charm, culture and tradition. After the exploration, our ride resumes. Embarking on the steady series of switchbacks, simultaneously relishing the stunning ambience of the environ, we arrive at Nagarkot. The chill of the fresh air, seemingly infinite stretch of greenery and astounding mountain views, clearly indicate that we are one of the best hill stations of Nepal. Nagarkot hosts a chain of sophisticated resorts and hotels. We proceed to one of the hotels and freshen up ourselves. In the evening, we can hike up to Nagarkot Tower and witness the awesome sunset view. Overnight at hotel in Nagarkot; breakfast included.

We wake up early in the morning and once again hike to the vantage point of Nagarkot Tower to witness yet another splendid sight of the sun rising over the snow clad Himalayas. We then get back to our hotel, freshen up and settle for an energizing breakfast. Let's get on to our run machine, as we have a thrilling day lined up for us. Himalayan mountain biking does not get much better than today's ride. This is becauseearly in the morning, a sea of cloud descends the valley beneath us, allowing us to have a crystal clear view of the tall and handsome mountains, ranging from Makalu to the Annapurnas. We can take a short photographic sojourn. The thrilling ride resumes along an old jeep track as we whip past the ridges of Kattike, Manichup and Chipu Dara. The route now gets duplicitous and we ought to be cautious not to take the wrong turn, or else we might end up retracing the long strenuous ride back to the ridge! Thus, the meticulous ride concludes for the day as we arrive at Chisopani. We head towards one of the local lodges here, where we stay overnight (breakfast included).

On this final biking day, we first take the opportunity to hike to the Shivapuri Hill 2732m, and indulge ourselves in some of the most incredible mountainous vistas that include, Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal Range, Langtang Himal Range, Mt. Dorjee Lakpa, Mt. Sishapangma etc. We then head on for an easy downhill ride and arrive at the famed Hindu temple of "Budanilkantha". After a quick exploration of the temple, we take a bubbly ride towards our hotel in Kathmandu. You can freshen up and relax for some time and then saunter to Thamel for souvenir shopping after the bikes are re-boxed.
In the evening, Marron Treks will host a farewell dinner program; a full-fledged Nepali fiesta, featuring a range of traditional Nepali cuisines and a live cultural show. Savor the Nepali dishes, dance to the tunes of Nepali folk songs…be a Nepali at least for this evening! After the fun, you can get back to your hotel, do some packing and take a contented sleep. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.

Day 08: Final departure

Unless you intend to extend your trip to try out some of our other adventurous offers, this will be your last day in Nepal. A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. Goodbyes are not for ever, goodbyes are not the end; they just mean we will miss you, till we meet again! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again! .

You have just been a part of this sizzling adventure. If you have the appetite for more, we gladly offer you an array of challenging and entertaining quests that catapult you to the diverse landscapes of Nepal, giving you a rare opportunity to witness the multifarious vegetation, jaw-dropping natural beauty, serene turquoise lakes and luscious mountain vistas. Please click on "Nepal Trekking", pick your preferred trek package and give us the chance to add yet another dash of adventure to your life!!

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Important Snippets

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

The mountain biking trails in Nepal are not extremely rugged. Although it is obvious that some biking skills, good fitness level and endurance would be needed to pursue such trip, it can be enjoyed by the riders of all levels. The accompanying biking guide shall have the technical know-how and vehicle support can also be provided wherever needed.

We arrange the best quality food for all guests while Kathmandu Valley Rim Mountain Biking. Basically we recommend you local community foods so that you could enjoy the culture, the way of living of local people and also promote the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Other than that many kind of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisine like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc are also available in most of the places based upon your requirement.

Our Guides

A guide wil be provided to you for your trip details. Marron Treks has experienced and helpful guides who make your trip enjoyable as well as successful. To make our visitors journey fruitful, the team of MarronTreks has got number of guides who have good knowledge about the culture, language, location and each and every little things of that particular region.

Supporting Vehicle

In the trip you have your personal vehicle then you can use that to start up your journey or we could provide you one supporting vehicle.It depends upon your choice.

Travel Insurance

Before starting your journey with MarronTreks it is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure your insurance covers you for both medical and evacuation costs. In some places it is not necessary but it would be better if you have the travel insurance with you all the time. That would make your trip save and hassle free.

Hotel/lodge/ guest house accommodation costs in Kathmandu, Panouti, Dhulikhel, Nagarkot and Chisopani on "BB" basis as per the itinerary.

Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.

All applicable tourist entrance, monumental and local permit fees as deemed necessary for the tour.

Cost of hiring a mountain bike and accessories (helmet).

Remuneration to a biking guide with a technical know-how.

Personal insurance for crew members.

Company’s t-shirt, cap and a day pack (provided as complimentary gears).

Support vehicle for the emergency use only.

A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the guide).

Personal insurance for crew members.

All government and local taxes.

Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.

Cost Excludes

International airfare and departure taxes

Personal insurance for travel to Nepal.

Emergency rescue evacuation cost.

Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days costs US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days costs US $40 and $ 100 respectively. You will need a valid passport and 2 copies of your recent PP sized photos).

Biking attire and other personal gears.

Lunch & dinner where ever not mentioned in the itinerary.

Tips to the guide, driver and hotel staffs (Tipping is expected).

Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.

Other expenses of personal nature (phone calls, laundry etc.)

Any other expenses not mentioned in the 'Cost Includes' section above.

Mountain Biking Gears

You don’t actually have to contemplate hard when it comes to organizing the essential gears for a mountain biking trip. The renting outlets sprouting up in every nook and corner of Kathmandu will have all your gears, including the mountain bike, fetched up. So all you need to carry are some basic clothing, shoes and energy drinks. But if you are one of those very particular types, who intends to ride on his/her own special bike, we would want you to compulsorily bring few gadgets (specified below), if you really want to have a smooth ride. Of course, all the items on our list are not a “must” and we’ve only included them to give you a general conception about the biking gears.
All the heavy items, including your main luggage will be transferred by our escort vehicle and the only thing that you need to carry with you is your compact supply bag (backpack). Stuffs like money, passport (including other relevant trip documents), toiletries, drinks/chocolates etc. can be carried on your day pack so that you can have easy access to them.

Essential Riding Gears

Map

Biking Shoes and socks

Mountain Bike

Helmet

Energy Drink

Biking Glasses

Head Torch/Flash Light

Bike gloves (3 pairs / full and half)

Short-sleeved and long-sleeved cycling tops

Biking socks (at least 5 pairs)

Hat and non-biking gloves

Brake pads

Inner tubes or spare bottle of fluid

Mountain Bike

Bikes are abundantly available on rents here in Nepal. We make sure that you get the best bike at disposal and will take care of its maintenance throughout the ride. However if you prefer to bring you own bike, it’s important that you get well serviced before the trip and bring the following gadgets with you:-

Brake pads specific to your bike x 2 sets

Rear mech hanger specific to your bike x 2

Bottle of dry lube

Four inner tubes, or spare bottle of fluid for

Tubeless tyres (two for each tyre)

Quick link to suit your chain

For 29” wheels bring extra spare tubes; they are barely available in Nepal

Equipments

Backpack/Rucksack

Duffle bag (will be provided by Marron Treks as a complimentary gear and you needn't return it)

Pack cover (to protect your gears from getting wet)

Day sack/Nylon stuff sack

Sleeping Bag/ Silk liner (will be provided by Marron Treks but should be returned after the trip)

Warm wool or synthetic hat that covers your ears (only if you are travelling in the cold season i.e January, February and December)

Goggles or sunglasses

1 pair warm gloves

T-shirts (cotton and short sleeved).

Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket

Cycling shorts- long & short both (for unexpected weather changes)

Loose cotton pants

Camping shoes or sneakers

A pair of flip-flops (Optional)

Medicaments

It is important that you include the medicines prescribed by your doctor. Below is just the generic list of medications. We advise you to always consult your travel doctor as you might be resistant or allergic to some medicines. Generally, our guide carries the first aid kit with him, but it’s always better to have your own kit.

Anesthetics (Ibuprofen/Aspirin)

Broad spectrum antibiotics tablets

Metronidazole and Antacids (for diarrohea /indigestion)

Broad spectrum ointments (Neosporin/ Clotrimazole/Gentamicin)

Antiseptic liquids (Dettol/Savlon)

Assorted band-aids

Small gauge pad

Roll of adhesive tape

Iodine tablets

Miscellaneous Bits

The items below could seem trivial, but if you don’t have them, you might just find yourself sticky and stinky, which isn’t actually good for you!

Toiletries

Quick-drying camp towel

Detergent powder/bar

Toilet paper

Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 20+) & Lip balm

Pocket knife

Sewing/Repair Kit (for tent & mattress)

Emergency kit including a whistle, waterproof match/lighter

Padlocks for bags and lodge rooms

Stuff sacks

Earplugs

Candlesticks

Optional Carry

Nothing hard and fast about carrying the items on this list as they are not the basics. Yet, though not all, if you still manage to squeeze in some of these items on your carry, you will not regret as they might just come handy during the trip.

Camera, memory card and battery charger

GPS unit Altimeters

Binoculars

Plastic bags for wet cloths

Books and magazines

Choice of dry food

Departure Date

Generally, there are no fixed departure dates for the optional adventure like "Mountain Biking". If you intend to pursue the adventure on any specific date, please contact us directly and let us know about your preferred schedule. We will endeavor our level best to make sure that the adventure commences on the set date.

Trip Facts

Starting Price: USD XXX (On request)

Trip Type: Private Tour

Trip Grade: Moderate

Transportation: Mountain biking, 4WD Land cruiser with support crew

Highest Elevation: Shivapuri Hill (2732m)

Lowest Elevation: Kathmandu (1400m)

Average Distance Biked: 38km

Trip Commences From: Kathmandu (1400m)

Trip Terminates At: Kathmandu (1400m)

Activities: Sightseeing, Biking and Mountains views

Best Months: Sep-May

Trip Highlights

Drive around Kathmandu city with for a guided sightseeing tour, exploring the famed historical and cultural landmarks herein

Enjoy biking towards the less frequented town of "Panauti"; visit the Indreshwar Mahadev Temple- the oldest shrine in Nepal

Relish the fascinating sunrise/sunset and mountain views at Dhulikhel and Nagarkot